Many adults are choosing to live independently in their homes in old age rather than spend the remainder of their lives in an elderly care facility or a nursing home. Although many require some level of care, they are reluctant to leave their possessions behind and surrender their independence.
If your loved one decided to remain at home, here are a few things you can do to help them live safely.
Practical Aids
Acquire necessary equipment that will help them function normally and live without assistance in their own home. There are stores that provide occupational therapy supplies for adults designed to address age-related issues and ensure their safety when all alone.
You should also adopt simple measures, such as installing grab rails and ramps where needed, or a chair lift if their home has a second floor. It is also best to rearrange certain furniture in a more accessible way if the elderly have mobility limitations. Cupboards, for example, need to be lowered so they can be easily reached.
Minimize Injuries
Identify areas in your home where a loved one may obtain injuries. Falling is one of the most common accidents that seniors encounter. The bathroom may need to be re-tiled with an anti-slip flooring so they can brush they can manage their personal hygiene independently and without fear of falling.
It is also time to remove decorative throw rugs, especially those that do not have rubberized backing. Anything that might cause an elderly to slip and fall should be removed from the house. Make sure that extensions cords do not stretch across the room. Piled clutter of newspapers, magazines, and loose clothing should also be stored properly or donated or thrown away.
There are types of footwear that are especially resistant to slipping that an elderly is recommended to wear on a daily basis to further minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.
Ensure Safety
Make their home a safe place to live. Install security systems so they would not be vulnerable to people with bad intentions. Regularly change the batteries of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Remove items that may trigger a fire such as candles, and leave a flashlight instead in case of a power outage. Inspect that the electrical cords of every appliance are not frayed or damaged. Place space heaters away from flammable items such as curtains and bedding. Remind them to turn it off when not in use.
Look into personal alarms they can keep on them at all times so they can request for help when they need to. Usually, personal alarms for the elderly come as a necklace or wristband that have a button that, when pressed, automatically alerts a family member in case of an accident.
In addition, list down emergency numbers and leave them near the phone. Especially in a panic, the elderly might not remember phone numbers they need to contact when they need help.
Stay in Contact
Make it a habit to call your elderly loved one regularly to check how they are doing. If you live near their home, visit them regularly and inspect their home anything that needs repair or replacement.
This will not only assure you that they are healthy and safe, but regular visits and phone calls will also help your loved one feel a lot less lonely.
